Things to do in County Cork

Activities, attractions and tours

Charles Fort featuring a coastal town, boating and a bay or harbour
Ireland which includes a bridge as well as a couple
County Cork
County Cork
Bantry House and Garden featuring heritage architecture, a park and a city
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Top places to visit

1. Blarney Castle

Visit Blarney Castle to see dungeons, towers and ramparts of a fortress dating back to the 15th century. Marvel at the colorful flower displays of the perfectly groomed gardens and enjoy picnics on pristine lawns. Climb to the Blarney Stone, said to grant the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it. Today’s Blarney Castle is the third structure on the site and was established in 1446 by the then King of Munster.
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Blarney Castle showing chateau or palace and heritage architecture

2. University College Cork

Cork University College is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland and was founded in 1845 as one of three Queen’s colleges located in Belfast, Galway and Cork. The university won international acclaim when it was named Irish University of the Year by the Sunday Times in 2011.
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University College Cork showing a river or creek and a small town or village

3. English Market

Visit Cork’s English Market to encounter the infectious sights, sounds and smells of a centuries-old food market. Discover everything from organic fruits and vegetables to artisanal ice cream, fresh seafood and locally produced cheeses. Try typical Cork fare while watching the bustling market activity from the comfort of a café or restaurant. The English Market dates back to 1788. Today its more than 50 traders form an integral part of Cork’s culinary scene.
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English Market showing street scenes and heritage elements

4. Blarney Stone

Embedded into the moss and lichen-speckled battlements of Blarney Castle, in the small village of the same name, kissing the Blarney Stone is no easy feat. This is particularly true for anyone with a fear of heights as kissing the stone involves leaning backwards over the castle walls to reach it with one’s lips. Nevertheless, this has not stopped countless individuals from doing so over the centuries, in their quest for the gift of the gab.
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Blarney Stone showing chateau or palace, heritage elements and building ruins

5. Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park is an expansive rural setting where exotic animals roam and interact with one another. It focuses on conservation and improving the quality of life of the animals with vast spaces and unobtrusive barriers. Bring the kids to this picturesque island zoo to see giraffes, wild cats and primates.
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Fota Wildlife Park which includes land animals and zoo animals as well as a small group of people

What to do in County Cork

Popular places to visit

Blarney Castle showing a castle, heritage elements and heritage architecture

Blarney Castle

4.5/5(40 reviews)

Walk in the footsteps of ancient kings, wander amid mystical gardens and kiss the venerated Blarney Stone at this centuries-old castle.

Blarney Castle
University College Cork

University College Cork

5/5(19 reviews)

Situated by the banks of the River Lee, University College Cork is a gorgeous, ornate gothic structure with a rich reputation for academic excellence.

University College Cork
English Market which includes interior views, markets and food

English Market

4.5/5(70 reviews)

Shop for fresh produce from around the world and sample traditional Cork dishes at this historic food market inside a grand Victorian building.

English Market
Blarney Stone

Blarney Stone

4.5/5(35 reviews)

While County Cork is not short on medieval history, you will only find one Blarney Stone. Located roughly five miles northwest of Cork, the stone is said to have mythical qualities. Legend has it that the Blarney Stone grants the gift of eloquence to anybody who kisses it.

Blarney Stone
Cork Opera House

Cork Opera House

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Get tickets for a show at Cork Opera House, a popular theatre in Cork. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area or seek out the local tours.

Cork Opera House
Fota Wildlife Park which includes land animals and zoo animals as well as a small group of people

Fota Wildlife Park

4.5/5(16 reviews)

Watch cheetahs running at full speed for their lunch and feed penguins and lemurs in this large nature reserve on an island.

Fota Wildlife Park
Blackrock Castle featuring château or palace, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Blackrock Castle

4/5(12 reviews)

Throughout Ireland you can see impressive sites where the ancient and the modern go hand in hand. Nowhere is this combination more striking than at Blackrock Castle, home to Ireland’s first interactive astronomy centre.

Blackrock Castle
Inchydoney Island Beach

Inchydoney Island Beach

5/5(13 reviews)

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Inchydoney Island Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Inchydoney. Visit the spas in this relaxing area or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Inchydoney Island Beach
Bantry House and Garden featuring heritage architecture, a park and a city

Bantry House

4.5/5(7 reviews)

This privately owned 18th-century estate looks out over Bantry Bay. Stay for the afternoon or splurge and spend the night.

Bantry House

Areas of County Cork

English Market which includes markets, food and interior views

Cork City Centre

4/5(22 area reviews)

Cork is officially Ireland's second city, but it is affectionately known by locals as the 'real capital of Ireland'. It is a city made for discovering on foot, thanks to the River Lee which flows around its centre, creating a compact island that is jam-packed with grand Georgian streets, intersected by medieval alleys and modern architectural triumphs such as the opera house.

Cork City Centre
Glucksman Gallery featuring modern architecture

South Parish

If you're spending some time in South Parish, Cork City Hall and Elizabeth Fort are top sights worth seeing.

South Parish
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Victorian Quarter

4/5(33 area reviews)

Victorian Quarter is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Everyman Palace Theatre and Leisureplex while you're in town.

Victorian Quarter
Blackrock Castle showing a castle, heritage elements and heritage architecture

Blackrock

You'll enjoy the restaurants and parks in Blackrock. You might want to make time for a stop at Blackrock Castle or Mahon Point Shopping Centre.

Blackrock
St. Anne\'s Shandon Church which includes a city

Shandon

4/5(10 area reviews)

Shandon is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Bells of Shandon or Murphy's Brewery.

Shandon
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Wilton

When in Wilton, you can plan a visit to Musgrave Park and Cork County Hall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Wilton

 

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Muckross House which includes a garden, a castle and heritage elements

Killarney

Cork

Cork

Charles Fort featuring a coastal town, boating and a bay or harbour

Kinsale

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Goleen

Blarney Castle showing heritage architecture, a castle and flowers

Blarney

Fota Wildlife Park which includes cuddly or friendly animals and zoo animals

Fota